The US Senate unanimously backed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Eric Fanning as secretary of the Army on Tuesday, making him the first openly gay leader of a US military service branch.

Source: Reuters

The confirmation shows just how far gay rights have come in the military under the Obama administration. In 2011, the military officially dismantled its anti-gay “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Five years later, not only can gay soldiers serve openly in the military, but an openly gay person can lead a major military service.

Source: marieclaire.com

Fanning previously served as the Army secretary’s principal adviser on management and operation. He was undersecretary of the Air Force from April 2013 to February 2015, and for half a year he was the acting secretary of the Air Force.